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Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

Construction, Maintenance & Repairvery lowaugment
BLS 2024-34: +4%
Median Wage: $48,300
Employment: 189K

Overall Exposure

10+4

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

21

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

4

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

8

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 โ†’ 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

10โ†’17
+7

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

21โ†’30
+9

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

4โ†’9
+5

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

8โ†’13
+5

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
202361525actual
202481836actual
2025102148actual
2026122459estimated
20271427711estimated
20281730913estimated

Task Breakdown

Spread, level, and smooth concrete using hand tools and screeds
8%ฮฒ 0
Apply hardening and sealing compounds to cure concrete surfaces
10%ฮฒ 0
Read blueprints and set forms for concrete pours
22%ฮฒ 0.5
Monitor weather and site conditions affecting concrete curing
30%ฮฒ 0.5

About This Occupation

If you work as a Cement Mason or Concrete Finisher, AI has minimal impact on your daily work. With an automation risk of just 8/100 and overall exposure at 10%, this is one of the least AI-affected construction trades. The most technology-influenced area is monitoring weather and site conditions at 30% automation, while core physical tasks like spreading and finishing concrete remain at just 8%. This is classified as an 'augment' role where technology assists with planning, not physical execution. BLS projects +4% growth through 2034, with median annual wage of $48,300. Infrastructure investment and urbanization continue to drive demand for skilled concrete workers, and while laser-guided screeds and GPS grading tools are emerging, the craft of finishing concrete still requires experienced hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 8%, Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers is 8% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 10%, with 21% theoretical exposure and 4% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +3 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers are: Monitor weather and site conditions affecting concrete curing (30%), Read blueprints and set forms for concrete pours (22%), Apply hardening and sealing compounds to cure concrete surfaces (10%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +4% employment change for Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 10%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.

Recent AI Impact Changes

Mar 2026: Evergreen blog post published analyzing AI impact on cement masons (8% exposure, 6/100 risk).

[Source: AI Changing Work Blog]